The Groundtruth from a combat veteran, backed up by independent research and historical study. Information beneficial to the Troops. And a touch of objective politics, as it relates to the subjects at hand.

This site is unabashedly Pro-American and Pro-Military however none of the views expressed here are to be considered as endorsed, proposed, or supported by the Department of Defense or any other Agency, government, public, or private. http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/

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SSgt Workman is featured in the Hall of Heroes and a book review on this from Marine Till Death that read it as it was written: http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/shadow-of-the-sword-by-jeremiah-workman-w-john-bruning.html

http://waronterrornews.typepad.com/home/2008/12/ssgt-jeremiah-workman-navy-cross-usmc-iraq-marion-oh.html and links to prior articles.

Saturday, February 09, 2013

The detained Haqqani leader is believed responsible for conducting direct attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He is also accused of being involved in weapons and ammunition facilitation and coordinated the transfer of improvised explosive devices and weapon systems.

The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized a large amount of IED-making materials, homemade explosives, rocket-propelled grenade ammunition, multiple hand grenades, machine gun ammunition, mortar rocket charges and 150 rounds of loose ammunition as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator in Khash Rod district, Nimroz province, today. The detained Taliban facilitator is believed to have coordinated the movement of lethal aid, weapons and ammunition to insurgent networks throughout Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province. He is accused of being directly responsible for preparing, organizing and transporting a large shipment of illegal material, and directing fighters in ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force also detained one other suspected insurgent.

Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban leader during a security operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, Friday. The detained Taliban leader, who operated out of central Kandahar City, is believed responsible for organizing IED operations targeting Afghan and coalition forces, to include coordinating the movement of IED materials into the province and then the transfer and distribution of this material to Taliban insurgents. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents as a result of the operation.

North

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Burkah district, Baghlan province, today. The detained IMU leader is believed to have overseen intelligence operations for an IMU network and for coordinating IED emplacement in the province. He is also accused of being a Taliban facilitator who provided safe haven for Taliban insurgents traveling through Burkah district. During the operation, the security force also detained one suspected insurgent

Afghan and coalition forces also discovered a weapons cache during an operation Feb. 6 in Wardak Province, according to late reports.

Khowst ProvinceAfghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Terezayi District.

Kunar ProvinceAfghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Nurgal District.

Ghazni ProvinceAfghan National Security Forces discovered a weapons cache and detained five suspected insurgents during an operation in Qarah Bagh District. The cache contained several rocket propelled grenades and mortar rounds. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Wardak ProvinceLate reports indicate that Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Maidan Shar District, Feb. 6. The cache contained small arms weapons and ammunition, IED making materials, combat uniforms, 17 mortar rounds, and a bag of hashish.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 05, 2013) – The International Security Assistance Force condemns the indiscriminate violence on Afghan civilians after a bomb exploded inside a hotel in the Khwaja Sabzposh district of Faryab province on Tuesday, killing and injuring more than a dozen people.

The detained Taliban facilitator is believed to have overseen the management of weapons caches for his Taliban network and ensured the facilitation of equipment, vehicles and weapons to insurgent fighters. He is also accused of having acquired and transferred large amounts of improvised explosive devices and IED-making materials to weapons caches throughout Panjwa’i district.

The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized nearly 700 pounds of illegal narcotics as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, Monday. The leader is believed responsible for coordinating insurgent operations, including the distribution of weapons and funds to insurgent fighters responsible for conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent as a result of the operation.

The facilitator enabled the distribution of weapons, ammunition, improvised explosive devices and suicide vests for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also acquired suicide vehicle improvised explosive device materials for insurgents operating in the province, and organized and planned attacks using SVIEDs.

The security force also detained four suspected insurgents and seized IED-making materials, weapons and ammunition as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force detained three suspected insurgents, during a security operation in search of a Taliban leader, in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The leader facilitates the movement of heavy weapons and improvised explosive devices for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province.

Friday, September 07, 2012

Colombia's main communist narco-terrorist group — battered by a years-long government military offensive — says it will seek a cease-fire next month at the start of preliminary talks with the Bogota government.

Thursday's cease-fire announcement by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia — better known as FARC — comes just days after President Juan Manuel Santos announced a deal with rebels to open talks next month aimed at ending nearly five decades of warfare. The president, however, said there would be no military letup as the talks open in Oslo, Norway.

The FARC cease-fire overture also follows a government announcement Wednesday that another top rebel leader was killed in a government bombing raid this week near the border with Venezuela.

Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon told reporters the rebel was a close ally of the FARC leader known by the alias Timochenko.

“Three guerrillas were killed whose bodies were found. There were 15 weapons seized, [including] explosives, grenades, communications systems. We estimate that at least 15 terrorists may have died. Alias Danilo Garcia, the terrorist right-hand of Timochenko, was killed in the Catatumbo region,” he said.

Last November, Timochenko rose to the rebel group's top post when an earlier leader was killed in a battle with government troops.

An attempt to show good faith ahead of 1999 talks saw an earlier government cede territory the size of Switzerland to rebels. But the FARC used the ceded land to train fighters and build airstrips used to transport illegal drug shipments that financed renewed military operations. Those talks collapsed in 2002.

Ahead of this week's announcement, President Santos repeatedly said he would only consider talks with the FARC if he was certain that rebel leaders would negotiate in good faith. Tuesday, he said Venezuela and Chile will help support the Oslo talks. VoA.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

The Mexican government says troops have discovered another drug smuggling tunnel beneath the U.S.- Mexico border and seized more than 40 tons of marijuana. The tunnel, beneath the Tijuana (Mexico) – San Diego (California) border was the fourth such discovery in the past week along the 3,200 kilometer boundary separating the two countries.

Authorities say three of the tunnels were still under construction, including a 365-meter passage that began in a Tijuana warehouse where the marijuana was seized, and extended 100 meters into the U.S. side. All four passages, including one found in Arizona, were equipped with lighting and ventilation. One of the digs included a rail transport system.

Mexican and U.S. authorities on Thursday said the 220-meter tunnel linking San Luis, Arizona and San Luis Colorado on the Mexican side showed a high level of engineering expertise.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said the San Luis passageway is the only known completed and fully-operational smuggling tunnel ever discovered in the area near Yuma, Arizona.

U.S. authorities say 89 cross-border tunnels have been discovered in Arizona and 50 others in California in the past decade, as agents on both sides of the border press to curtail the flow of narcotics into the United States. VoA.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

U.S. authorities are offering up to $1 million for information about the killing of a border patrol agent in 2010.

Authorities made a rare disclosure in the case Monday, releasing the names of four suspects in the shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry. A fifth suspect was arrested at the scene of the murder.

''Today the FBI seeks the public's assistance in locating these dangerous fugitives. Today we stand in support of the Terry family and our partners in the border patrol.”

The killing took place during a controversial operation known as “Fast and Furious,” in which U.S. federal agents allowed guns, as directed by the US Administration, to be smuggled into Mexico, hoping they would lead them to arms traffickers. But the DEA "lost track of most of the weapons," two of which were used in the murder of Agent Terry.

Wednesday, July 04, 2012

WASHINGTON, July 3, 2012 - Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Hanzallah, an al-Qaida leader who operated in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Hanzallah was killed July 1 during a security operation in the Watahpur district of Afghanistan's Kunar province, officials said.

Hanzallah acted as a military advisor to insurgents in Kunar, Nuristan and Laghman provinces and provided them with improvised explosive device training, officials said. Officials noted that Hanzallah was one of several al-Qaida terrorists killed during the security operation.

Also today, an airstrike called in by a combined force killed several insurgents in the Bermal district of Paktika province.

Friday, June 29, 2012

The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over documents about a failed gun running scheme between the United States and Mexico.

The vote was along party lines, with 255 House members voting in favor and 67 opposing it.

But most Democratic House members walked out of the Capitol building, refusing to participate in the vote. They said the vote was a stunt that takes attention away from what they call much more important matters. (such as their previous investigations into baseball parties and drugs)

The White House also condemned the vote as political theater and defended Holder as an excellent attorney general. A statement noted that the Justice Department has already turned over 7,600 pages to congressional investigators and says there is "no evidence" Holder was involved in the gun running scheme.

Many Republicans say they believe the White House is withholding important information about the gun running and say top Justice Department officials may have lied about what they know.

Holder is the first sitting Cabinet member ever to be held in contempt of Congress. He calls Thursday's vote regrettable and misguided. Holder said the gun running began under the previous administration of President George W. Bush and that he, Holder, put a stop to it when he found out about it.

Under the program known as “Fast and Furious,” federal agents had guns smuggled into Mexico "hoping it would lead them directly to arms traffickers."

But U.S. agents lost track of the weapons once they crossed the border. The scheme was exposed when two of the guns were used in the murder of a U.S. border agent. Many believe the program was designed to build support for tighter gun laws in the United States, as evidenced by left-leaning news media that publicized the number of US purchased guns used in Mexican drug violence during the period leading up to the exposure.

Despite Thursday's vote, Holder is unlikely to face criminal prosecution because he heads the Justice Department. A second vote on civil contempt would let the House go to court to try and force Holder to turn over the additional documents. VoA.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Afghan forces, supported by coalition troops, conducted an operation to destroy narcotics production facilities in east Baghran, Helmand province, Wednesday.

The operation was planned and orchestrated by the Afghan forces.

As a result of the operation, Afghan forces seized 310 kilograms (660 pounds) of morphine base and 250 kilograms (550 pounds) of ammonium chloride which is used to refine opium into heroin. They also found 400 kilograms (880 pounds) of lime and 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds) of morphine waste along with drug processing equipment.

The chemicals and drugs were destroyed on site.

The operation was completed without any of the Afghan or coalition troops firing a shot or causing damage to civilian property.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

The target of the operation was Nabi Rahman, a Taliban leader and explosives expert who coordinated the movement of insurgents in the region, provided explosive materials and training to insurgents, and planned attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

During the operation, the Afghan and coalition security force requested a precision airstrike. After the strike, the security force conducted a follow-on assessment and confirmed Rahman had been killed.

The precision airstrike did not damage any civilian property and did not harm any civilians.

"The coordinated response of all hands involved was phenomenal," remarked Nimitz Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao. "The combined efforts of each of our strike group components demonstrated the flexibility and capability that defines how we conduct business."

Saturday, June 09, 2012

The leader coordinated improvised explosive device operations and conducted multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province. During the operation the security force also detained two other insurgents.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

SouthAn Afghan and coalition security force discovered several caches containing narcotics and explosives during an operation in Baghran district, Helmand province, Monday. The security force seized 48 kilograms (106 pounds) of wet opium, 980 kilograms (2,156 pounds) of poppy seed and several improvised explosive device components. During the operation, insurgents attacked the security force. The force identified the insurgents and returned fire killing several insurgents. The narcotics and IED materials were destroyed in place.

In Musa Qal’ah district, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a senior Taliban leader Friday. The leader coordinates the placement of improvised explosive devices and directs attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the province. During the operation the security force detained several insurgents.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has completed its initial assessment of the circumstances surrounding its June 6 mission to detain a Taliban leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province. ISAF confirms that in addition to the insurgents killed during the operation, it’s also responsible for the unintended, but nonetheless tragic, death of Afghan civilians.

During today’s trip to Logar General John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force said, “I am here not only as the Commander of the Coalition forces, but also as a father to apologize for the tragedy that occurred two days ago. Additionally, I am committed to ensuring we do the right thing for the families of those we inadvertently harmed, as well as for the community in which they lived.”

The purpose of the trip was to personally deliver his condolences to the provincial governor, parliament leaders, provincial council leadership, and village elders. ISAF continues to investigate the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this airstrike and remains committed to taking any and all appropriate actions to minimize the likelihood of similar occurrences in the future.

Saturday, June 02, 2012

By Cheryl Pellerin, AFPS, WASHINGTON, June 1, 2012 - The convergence of crime, terrorism and insurgency and its threat to U.S. national security is a growing concern for the Defense Department, whose role in the fight began in the 1980s and continues to evolve, a senior defense official said today.

William F. Wechsler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats, spoke during an irregular warfare summit sponsored by the Institute for Defense and Government Advancement.

"The Department of Defense's role in this effort goes back ... to the 1980s," Wechsler said, when America was flooded with vast amounts of cocaine coming from Colombia and across the Caribbean into Florida [as well as Communist and Islamist terrorist attacks in Europe, the Middle East, and Mediterranean].

The action followed a carefully choreographed script, from the moment U.S. Customs and Border Protection pilots spotted the speedboat El Kike on May 6 from their P-3 Orion aircraft. They passed the mission to USS Nicholas, a guided-missile frigate patrolling the region with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement team. Nicholas dispatched a helicopter to track the speedboat, while maneuvering into position to intercept.

El Kike’s crew, recognizing their plight, jettisoned half of their cargo, then adjusted course and hit the throttle toward Colombia.

“With the help of some friends, we accomplished what we set out to do: disrupt the drug trade,” said Navy Cdr. Stephen Fuller, Nicholas’ commanding officer. “Interdictions are challenging, but with the help of McClusky, [U.S.] Customs and the Colombian navy, we executed a successful operation.”

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Working closely with Afghan security forces, soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment have made a considerable discovery of insurgent narcotics and supplies in the Nad 'Ali district of Helmand province.

Sergeant Terry Johnson with carefully bagged evidence that may help to identify the owners of the explosives and their intended use[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The men of A (Norfolk) Company have been working closely with Afghan security forces since their arrival in Helmand in late March.

The discovery happened on Thursday 17 May when troops from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as the Vikings, were carrying out an operation with Afghan forces to stop insurgents threatening the protected communities in Nad 'Ali.

The operation began with a helicopter insertion into the area early in the morning and after a long march the men of 1 Platoon approached the group of compounds which intelligence had identified as an area of interest.

On arrival at the compounds, A Company Sergeant Terry Johnson asked Corporal Jamie Seymour to secure the area as he spoke with a local elder.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

ISAF confirmed an Afghan-international security force killed Zia Ul Haq, a Taliban commander for Arghandab province who is also known as Zia Agha, during a precision airstrike against several insurgents Thursday.

The precision strike also killed Faizullah, a Taliban sub-commander, as he and Zia Agna were emplacing an improvised-explosive device in a road near Kandahar City.

Both Zia Agha and Faizullah were responsible for IED attacks in Arghandab District and Kandahar City. Zia Agha was also involved in several assassination and kidnapping plots over the past year. This operation was originally included in the June 25 IJC Operational Update.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops captured a senior Taliban leader during an operation in Dand district, Kandahar province, Saturday. The leader operates in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province. He attempted to control the Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the district through murder and intimidation tactics.

He is also suspected in coordinating the assassination of a government official in Kabul. The security force also detained several other insurgents as a result of this operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

The security force detained multiple suspected insurgents as a result of this operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

In Tarnek wa Jaldak district, Zabul province, an Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops conducted an operation to capture a Taliban facilitator Friday. The facilitator supplies weapons, ammunition, and equipment to insurgents for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He also coordinates the movement of suicide bombers for attacks within Daman district. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to search suspected narcotics-processing facilities in Baghran district, Helmand province, Tuesday. As the combined force reached the area, insurgents opened fire with small arms. The security force returned fire, killing several insurgents. A subsequent search of the area discovered a drug cache containing 330 pounds of morphine base, more than 400 pounds of opium, 880 pounds of poppy seeds, and more than 2,000 pounds of drug-processing materials. Several improvised explosive device-making materials and small arms weapons were also discovered. The security force destroyed the drug related materials and weapons at the scene without further incident.

Saturday, May 05, 2012

An Afghan led security force supported by coalition troops detained a Taliban leader during an operation in Imam Sahib district, Kunduz province, Friday.

The leader planned and conducted roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the province. He is also coordinated the movement of insurgents from Pakistan to Kunduz. The security force detained two additional insurgents as a result of this operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

In Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation today. The leader conducted roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. Several additional insurgents were also detained.

In Khash Rod district, Nimroz province, an Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol Friday. The cache consisted of approximately 645 pounds of opium. The security force destroyed the cache on-site without incident.

East

In Terayzai district, Khost province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Haqqani leader during an operation Friday. The leader conducted roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces in Khost district. The security force detained multiple additional insurgents and seized several weapons along with bomb-making materials as a result of this operation.

Finally, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Andar district, Ghazni province, Friday. The leader organizes roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan National Security Forces and coalition troops. The security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized multiple improvised explosive device components as a result of the operation.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani leader during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, Friday. The leader planned and directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout the district. He also coordinated with Haqqani leaders in Pakistan for weapons, ammunition and newly-trained insurgents. The security force detained several additional suspected Haqqani members and multiple AK-47s as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Washer district, Helmand province, Friday. The leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He is also suspected in the attempted assassination of multiple Afghan government officials participating in a shura last month. The security force detained several additional insurgents as a result of this operation.

In Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, an Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol Thursday. The cache consisted of approximately 15,400 pounds (7,000 kilograms) of hashish. The security force destroyed the drugs on site without incident.

Finally, in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Afghan forces planned and led a counter-narcotics operation supported by coalition forces, Wednesday. During the operation, the force discovered a vehicle carrying approximately 2,288 pounds of opium. The opium was destroyed and several suspects were detained.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

£14m worth of drugs have been seized by HMS Westminster in the Indian Ocean.

HMS Westminster's Merlin helicopter hovers over the dhow found to have over 70 bales of pure heroin on board [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]

The Portsmouth-based warship intercepted a suspicious dhow in the Indian Ocean, seizing over 70 bales containing more than 180kg of pure heroin.

The discovery of the drugs occurred when HMS Westminster's Merlin helicopter and combined Royal Marines and Royal Navy boarding teams received orders to search for, intercept and board a suspicious vessel.

They did, and found more than 70 bales of pure heroin, weighing more than 180kg (nearly 400lbs), on the dhow; it is estimated that the drugs have a street value of US $22m - almost £14m.

HMS Westminster is operating under the banner of Combined Task Force 150, one of three task forces co-ordinated by the international Combined Maritime Forces, with the aim of defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, stopping the illegal trafficking of people and drugs, and promoting the maritime environment as a safe place for mariners with legitimate business.

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELHI — As the sun rises over Afghanistan, two CH-53D Sea Stallions from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, the “Ugly Angels,” roll down the runway at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, to await their turn for takeoff. Today, they will pick up Marines from Forward Operating Base Delhi and perform vehicle interdiction operations. Their mission will require them to fly to the southernmost end of Helmand province to assist Marines while they search for narcotics and weapons.

Upon arrival at FOB Delhi, the two helicopters pick up more than 20 Marines and members of the National Interdiction Unit (NIU), a specialized Afghan counter-narcotics team. The personnel board the Sea Stallions through a cloud of dust with grim determination on their faces, ready for the day’s events. In the distance, potential narcotics and weapons smugglers have no idea that Marines and the NIU are about to descend upon them.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

While conducting a patrol the force witnessed numerous bags being off-loaded from a vehicle next to a field. A subsequent search revealed approximately 396 pounds (180 kilograms) of suspected narcotics.

All of the narcotics were confiscated from the scene to be destroyed at a later date.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Sunday, April 08, 2012

KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – A patrol leader with the Afghan Uniformed Police here said his message against growing poppy is reaching farmers. In return, farmers are sealing their compliance with handshakes and understanding.

Bismullah Khaliq, the patrol leader making rounds from village to village, is optimistic that Khan Neshin will be a safe district without poppy cultivation. He said “if we can just get the people’s attention in this matter, I’m certain we will get their cooperation.”

Bismullah Khaliq, an Afghan Uniformed Police team leader, searches a compound for weapons or improvised explosive device components here, March 27, 2012. The AUP led a patrol to a remote village near Qual-e Now, keeping an eye out for evidence of enemy and speaking to farmers about ongoing poppy eradication efforts in the district. A U.S. Marine and Navy corpsman serving with the Police Advisor Team here patrolled alongside their Afghan allies to provide support and guidance as needed.

First Lt. Jorge Colon, a team leader with the Police Advisor Team, Delta Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, said the government exercising its will on the people in order to deny insurgents its cash crop shows that the rule of law is taking hold in places were there previously was little to no rule.

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

President Barack Obama says drug-related violence in Mexico could have what he calls a “deteriorating effect” on U.S.-Mexican relations.

Mr. Obama spoke Monday after a White House summit with Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Mexico's war against drug gangs fighting for turf near the U.S. border was a major topic at the talks.

Mr. Obama said that when innocent families, including women and children, are gunned down in the streets, it is everybody's problem.

“Criminal gangs and narco traffickers pose a threat to each of our nations. And each of our nations has a responsibility to meet that threat.”

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

MIAMI, March 26, 2012 - Transnational organized crime is not specifically mentioned in the new defense strategy, but leaders understand the threat, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at U.S. Southern Command today.

One of the main missions of the command is to deal with the threat posed by drug cartels, human traffickers and gunrunners -- what the command calls transnational organized crime. The command works with regional allies and with U.S. interagency partners to combat this transnational threat.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey spoke during a Southcom town hall meeting before leaving for a visit to regional allies. Before the town hall, he met with Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, Southcom's commander, and received briefings on the range and breadth of threats and opportunities in the region.

"I want to assure you that we recognize the threat that transnational organized crime presents, not just because of what they transport to our shores, but what they could also transport -- terrorists and weapons and weapons of mass destruction," the general said.

These crime organizations present many of the same problems that other threats in the world pose the United States. "They are networked, they are decentralized and they are syndicated," he said.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Coalition forces killed a Taliban expert bomb maker and wounded another insurgent with a precision airstrike in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, Friday. The airstrike took place as the two insurgents emplaced two roadside bombs. One was a pressure plate device and the other was remote controlled.Afghan and coalition security forces removed and destroyed both explosives and detained the wounded insurgent. The expert bomb maker constructed explosive devices for attacks against Afghan and coalition troops and trained other insurgents in constructing roadside bombs.Before conducting the airstrike, coalition forces ensured no civilians were in the area and no property would be damaged.

The targeted individual was responsible for a roadside bombing attack against Afghan and coalition forces in Shinwar district, Parwan province. IED components were linked to the suspect and led to Afghan judicial officials issuing a warrant for his arrest.

The detained individual was arrested on an Afghan warrant without incident and was taken by Afghan forces for further questioning.

Sunday, March 04, 2012

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache and detained several suspects during an operation in Marjah district, Helmand province, Thursday. The cache consisted of approximately 4,732 pounds (2,151 kilograms) of opium and approximately 53 pounds (24 kilograms) of heroin. Security forces detained several suspects and destroyed a majority of the drugs on site without incident. The remaining drugs were confiscated to be used as evidence.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

In Qarghah’i district, Laghman province, multiple insurgents were killed while placing improvised explosive devices Thursday. Afghan and coalition security forces positively identified the insurgents and called in close air support assets to engage their position. After the strike, security forces confiscated heavy machine guns, firearms, and ammunition from the scene. No civilians were harmed during the operation.Afghanistan has apologized for the attack on Our Troops.

More International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan, after the break:

Saturday, February 04, 2012

A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation freeing a kidnapped Afghan citizen in Khoghjani district, Ghazni province, Wednesday. During the operation, the security force rescued one hostage and detained several insurgents connected with the kidnapping. The insurgents revealed that a second hostage had escaped one day prior and admitted they planned to kill the remaining hostage that day.

The security force also seized multiple small arms, ammunition and tactical vests during the operation. The insurgents were detained by Afghan security forces for further questioning. The rescued hostage received medical attention on site and was taken to a coalition hospital for further observation.

No civilians were harmed and no shots were fired during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Sunday, January 29, 2012

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander during an operation in Nad-e Ali district, Helmand province, Thursday. The Taliban commander was responsible for supplying weapons, explosives and directing insurgent fighters in this area. During the operation several insurgents were also detained by Afghan security forces for further questioning and processing. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

Saturday, January 28, 2012

In Chahar Darah district, Kunduz province, an Afghan led and coalition supported security force conducted an operation in search of insurgent suicide bombers Thursday. The targets were suspected of planning attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Chahar Darah district.

The security force detained several suspected suicide bombers during the operation. The security force also seized a prepared suicide improvised explosive device vest and approximately 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) of homemade explosives. No civilians were harmed during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

SouthA combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a patrol in Panjwa ‘i district, Kandahar province, Thursday. The cache consisted of approximately 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of marijuana seeds. The seeds were confiscated and will be destroyed at a later date.

In Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, an Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation Friday. The leader conducted direct-fire attacks in Nahr-e Saraj district and distributed ammunition and bomb-making materials to insurgent fighters throughout Helmand province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Lashkar Gah district, Helmand province, Friday. The facilitator distributed weapons and explosives to insurgent fighters and coordinated roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces throughout the area. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In Khost district, Khost province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani leader Friday. The leader constructs roadside bombs and distributes weapons to insurgents in Bak and Terayzai districts. The security force confiscated multiple weapons and ammunition and detained several suspected insurgents during the operation.

The leader, Farid, served as a Taliban judge in Wardak province. He was responsible for multiple ambushes, roadside bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the area. He was also known for mistreating the local populace and facilitating a kidnapping operation.

During the operation, the security force observed several armed insurgents inside a vehicle. Two insurgents exited the vehicle and raised their weapons toward the security force, while the remaining insurgents aimed their weapons from inside the vehicle. The security force responded to the immediate threat and returned fire, killing Farid and the insurgents.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

"

SouthA combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache while conducting a patrol in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, Sunday. The cache consisted of approximately 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of marijuana. Security forces destroyed all drugs on site without incident.

In Dand district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache while conducting an operation Monday. The cache consisted of approximately 2,000 pounds (909 kilograms) of hash. The security force confiscated the drugs and will destroy them at a later date.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

ISAF joins President Karzai in condmenation of attack on French Troops. France is considering an early withdrawal unless the Security Situation is improved. France has suspended ANSF training operations.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Achin district, Nangarhar province, Friday.

The leader, Khetab Gul, was responsible for a recent suicide car bomb attack in Nangarhar province. He also constructed roadside bombs, planned attacks and distributed bomb-making materials to insurgent fighters throughout the province.

During the operation, several armed insurgents barricaded themselves inside a building and fired at the security force. The security force responded to the immediate threat and returned fire, killing Khetab Gul and two additional insurgents.

The security force also confiscated several firearms during the operation. In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

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Ace Of Spades: Why Language MattersIn this article, Ace of Spades demonstrates how the writing style of "journalists" and other writers is purposely used to influence the electorate. He explains this far better than I have been able to do, but this is the foundation of why I could no longer be silent.